Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser., 1887-03-25
What happened might have been

young man, dressed in respectable
darted out and snatched the
bag, and Immediately turned and fled.
However. he did not run lar, for be-
fore | could utter word a stout po-
liceman had larted from shop door,
seized the thief and held him pale
with terror and shaking like All aspen
leaf. until we walked up.
Your bag, missus?:" asked the po-
liceman.
"Oh. yes," said Matilda. "I'm so
thankful you've caught him. Oh,
how could you be so wicked? But
perhaps I'd better let you of, young
man. now I've got the money back"
"See if it is sale, miss" said the po-
licenan.
Matilda opened the bag
"lt's empty" she said.
"What! have you PLAYED the game?'
said the policeman, you'll have to
come up to the Office. miss, and make
\ charge. Well search him; he must
have it about him."
"I'll give it up, sir" said the young
man. "Here is the money" and he
handed a ten-dollar bill to the police
man. "Oh, miss, I'm really not an
old offender. Circumstances drove
me to the commission of the crime
Forgive me ~
That's all humbug," said the po.
licemsn "come along You follow,
il you please, miss. | don't consider
it the duty Of good citizens to let such
fellows of. for my part"
Nor L." said |. "Come on, Miss
Matilda"
The policeman led the way with the
Young man. AS We walked behind, /
particularly noticed that he had a verv
gentlemanly appearance. New York
thieves often have. NV heart really
bled for him. ewas one that should
have played better part.
We arrived at the station and were
led into sort Of private parlor.
where We were asked to wait awhile,
the prisoner being led away by the po
liceman. saw the door Of the room
in which the Justice sat, open; | saw
him at the desk. | saw the prisoner
standing before him. Then it closed
with a bang. In another instant the
policeman returned.
"Miss," said he, "his honor wishes
to see you alone. Our young man de-
clares the affair conspiracy against
him, and Won will be questioned sepa-
ratels. No otFsnse. SIR"
"None." said /. Then beckoned
to the policeman spart aud slipped
two dollars into his hand. Don't lose
sight of the young lady until she re-
joins me-" said.
mo, sir; on no account" said he.
And of they went together.
They were gone ten minutes. and
returned "a they went. Miss Matilda
had been weeping.
"The lady's evidence was all suffi-
cient," said the man.
Then they have committed him."
said |.
YES. he's committed" said Matil-
da. "Oh. poor fellow. I'm go
now. Mr.. Martin"
| led her away.
As We went | saw the policeman
grinning after u. couldn't think
whv.
We said very little as We walked on,
and were at the dressmaker's in no
time. Now or never would she battle
me. She might escape by the back
door or the roof; how could | tell. /
stared at her while Madam-all indig
nation measured her shoulders and
the length Of her skirt. When she
went behind screen to be "tried on, -
| watched her little feet below it, and
when | got her out Of the house re.
joiced.
We caught the train by a hairs
breadth. did not doubt that she
tried to miss it altogether, and all
night watched her, least at some sta
ton sh, would even yet elude me
When, twenty four hours from oul
first M citing, rang the bell OF bel
fathers residence, | was jaded being
but was triumphant.
walked into her fathers chamber
with Matilda on my arm.
Sir" said, 81 have done my duty
Here ia Miss Matilda Middlebury?"
Shall | ever forget that moment
As | .poke Matilda turned about with
laugh.
you've made a mistake" said she
"A married woman bears her hus
bands name. Mrs. Jackson. if you
please. Papa, here is my certificate
and this is my ring"
She drew OF her glove as she spoke
aud heavy wedding ring. which she
had not worn when We started, gilt
tered on her finger.
You were afraid of the dressmak
er's HOUSE. she said. There WAS nc
danger there. was married at the
police station. You drove me to thai
vulgar act, papa. TIE theft was :
sham. The policeman was bribed
Lie merely ushered Charles into the
presence OF tiiss justice OF the peace
escorted me afterwards into the same
room and was witness to the ceremony
"rhe law is very hard upon US pool
young women," she added, with !
meaning glance at me ;"aud the parch
ment was very imposing. But those
whom God has joined no MAJ Can pu,
asunder. And Papa must forgive mi
before my husband comes tomorrow.
I suppose Mr.. Middlebury di for
give his daughter, for | never altered
his will; but l went back to the city
that day in such boiling rage tina
if it had been in my power to hav'
disinherited her, Matilda would nov
be penniiess.
| got over my anger long ago, and
have learned lesson byit. 1t is this
A willful woman will have her way
and no man can stop her.